Hay There, Zara!

From South Africa’s show rings to the peaceful fields of the Chiltern Hills, Zara has always followed her heart when it comes to horses. Now working as our Training Coordinator, she combines her teaching background, equine knowledge, and a sprinkle of drama skills to help new starters settle into life at The Horse Trust. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey, her favourite horses (spoiler: there are many!), and what makes her role so special.

How long have you been at The Horse Trust?

I’ve been here for a year and a half now. I started as a groom and moved into my current role as Training Coordinator in January.

What is your role?

I’m responsible for training all new starters on the Equine Care Team, covering everything from horse handling and behaviour to customer service and The Horse Trust’s history. I still love helping out on the yard when I can – no two days are ever the same!

What brought you to The Horse Trust?

It was fate! While working as a teacher, I also worked in a corner shop below someone who worked at The Horse Trust. I asked about roles, applied – and the rest is history.

My background with horses starts much earlier though – I’ve truly never known a life without them. My mum worked on a yard in Durban, South Africa, when I was little, and my dad used to take me there to visit. When I was seven, my parents opened their own riding school in Kleinmond near Cape Town, and that’s where I really got stuck in. I competed in all sorts, including SANESA (the South African National Equestrian Schools Association) and graded equitation shows where the rider gets judged more than the horse – it’s all about style, form, and control.

Before moving to the UK, I helped manage our yard and taught lessons. The Horse Trust is my first equine job here in the UK, and I’ve loved combining my horsemanship with my teaching qualification. Plus, I get to use my drama skills occasionally with BARTA, acting as a distressed owner in emergency scenarios!

What sparked your love of horses?

Definitely my parents. They passed down their love for horses, and I’m so grateful they did. Horses have always been a calming, grounding presence in my life – even on the most stressful days, being around them just makes everything feel better.

Do you have any horses of your own?

Yes – a Thoroughbred called Big Red, who’s still at my mum’s yard in South Africa. He was an ex-racehorse found on a farm, and a total gem. I competed on him for years and now he’s teaching the next generation of riders. He’s still my boy.

Do you have a favourite horse at The Horse Trust?

That’s a hard question – I have a few!

• Hagrid – the best leg scratches were always reserved for him.
• Empress – she adores bananas, so I always kept one handy for her.
• Stanley – he’s just Stanley! Everyone loves him. Such a sweetheart, and definitely the ‘grandpa’ of the herd.
• Fudge – the fun uncle! The kind that thinks he’s young, does something silly, then pulls his back.
• Poppy (Granny Poppy) – a strong, independent mare who doesn’t need your attention but will take it if offered.
• Little Bear & Piggy – they’re such characters.
• Agibale – one of the first horses I checked when I joined. I’ve loved seeing how she’s adapted since her eye removal. Her little head tilt is so endearing.

Some of them have passed now, like Commando, but they’re never forgotten.

What do you love most about your role?

That I get to share my passion for horses and teaching. I also love the variety – I could be creating training content one day, shadowing BARTA the next, or out helping the team on the yard. It’s rewarding and different every single day.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually start by checking emails and seeing what’s on for the day – whether it’s coordinating new starter training, planning sessions with Russell, helping with Moodle theory work, or assisting the Training & Development team with practical training. I also help on the yard when needed. It’s a great balance of office and hands-on work.

Do you have a favourite memory so far?

Too many to choose from! But a few stand out:

• The hay bale competition we did on a freezing winter’s day – Senior Groom, Lotte, made it fun and competitive. I definitely won that!
• Shadowing BARTA for a week – acting like a distressed horse owner really put my performing arts diploma to good use.
• Learning how to clip a horse for the first time recently – that was a proud moment.
• And of course, getting to work with amazing horses like Vida.

What would you say to someone considering a career with horses?

It’s hard work, but so worth it. The reward you get from the relationships, the care, and the trust you build with the horses is like nothing else.

What’s your favourite thing about The Horse Trust?

The mission. I love that we provide a peaceful, happy retirement for animals who have served us so loyally. It’s such a beautiful thing to be part of. I feel very lucky to work here.

Thank you for everything you do!

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